Note [2:4:5:2]2. Vanad seems to be, as Grassmann has seen, a compound of van, 'the forest' (comp. the genitive vana'm, the locative vamsu), and of ad. Of Agni is said several times 'vanani atti.'

Note [2:4:5:3]3. On the mythical ancestors designated as the Usigas, see Bergaigne, I, 57 seq.

Verse 6.

Note [2:4:6:1]1. The forests, of course, are the fuel.

Note [2:4:6:2]2. To rathya-iva probably kakra' (nom. plur.) is to be supplied.

Note [2:4:6:3]3. The 'laughing' of the sky is the lightning (Benfey, Vedica und Verwandtes, 138). The flames of Agni flash through the smoke as the lightning shines in the clouds.

Verse 7.

Note [2:4:7:1]1. See Geldner, Vedische Studien, II, 29 seq.; Roth, Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenland. Gesellschaft, XLVIII, 107.

Verse 8.

Note [2:4:8:1]1. The text has triti'ye vidathe (comp. I, 31, 6, note 2). Does this mean at the tritiya-savana? Three vidathas are spoken of also in VI, 51, 2; VII, 66, 10.

Note [2:4:8:2]2. On the metrical irregularity, comp. H. O., Die Hymnen des Rig-veda, I, 67.

Verse 9.

Note [2:4:9:1]1. 'May prevail, destroying through thee the neighbours lying in ambush.' M. M. To me guha seems to be connected with vanvantah.